2004 to most people is just another year. A few major events happened that year. Facebook was born. Gmail became Google's newest technological advancement. The 366 days came and went in the blink of an eye. To Volunteer fans like myself, 2004 was the last time we could sleep soundly during Florida week.
Then came September 17, 2005.
Number 4 Tennessee kicked off at 8:11 p.m. against number 6 Florida. Florida scored first with a touchdown in the first quarter. Tennessee answered back in the second quarter with a touchdown to tie the game. Florida scored again in the third quarter bringing the score up to 13-7. The game went on and the Volunteers relentlessly failed to score. Florida scored again in the fourth quarter, bringing the final score to 16-7. That's when the streak began.
Since then, Florida has beat Tennessee anywhere from a range of 1-39 points. The Vols have been through four coaches over the past 11 years, with Butch Jones being the current commander. Florida, despite their inspiring streak, has been through six coaches.
Every year fans of the Vols claim "This is our year!" and "The Vols are so going to win this year!" And every year, the Vols have bickered with Gator fans about how they "cheated" or "got lucky". UT has pressed on, fighting to one day end the streak.
That day has come.
September 24, 2016 will be a day that Vol fans won't forget for a long time. Fans woke up at the crack of dawn and grabbed their signs to hopefully be seen on College Game Day. People researched what color they were to wear in order to checker Neyland. The Vols walked down the street during the Vol walk as fans gave high fives and encouraging words. The Pride of the Southland marching band played Rocky Top over and over again until Gator fans went crazy. The Vols walked into Neyland, circled up in prayer, and asked for a victory. They put on their fresh smokey grey uniforms and ran drills until the determination to dominate filled every fiber of their being.
The Pride lined the sidelines before marching in. They marched onto the field, forming magnificent formations as they hyped the crowd up. Then the moment came. From under the stands emerged the first line of players with Coach Butch Jones standing right in the middle. The Pride opened up the breathtaking T and the players ran out. Fans screamed as the Vols ran out and boo'ed as the Gators followed. A coin toss followed and the game began.
Despite the hype, the Gators were first on the board. Tennessee fans didn't fret.
It was, of course, the first quarter.
Then, the second quarter came. The Vols couldn't hold off Florida as the scored two more touchdowns, leaving Tennessee scoreless. The Vols managed to score a field goal as the second quarter ceased.
Fans watched during halftime as the Pride put on a beautiful show about space expedition, making sure to mention UT's own "Astrodobbs". Fans argued over if they should spare their frustrations now and leave, or stay and pray for a miracle. Most (like myself) agreed to stay until at least the end of the third quarter.
The second half opened up with a brand new team. The Vols from the first half had been reborn into brand new players who were determined to win. The Volunteers managed to score repeatedly, ultimately conjuring up 31 unanswered points against Florida.
They were unstoppable.
Most favored the Vols for this game preseason, then changed their minds as the Vols trailed 21-3. People called for Butch's resignation. They blamed every player on the field for every mistake made.
But the Vols were victorious.
The Volunteers finished the game with a final score of 38-28. Florida fans hung their heads low. They walked out of Neyland Stadium speechless. Tennessee fans shouted as the players ran around the field giving one another hi-fives and hugs. They ended their victory, arm in arm, singing UT's alma mater along with the student section.
It was an amazing day. The notorious streak finally ended. We claimed year after year that "this is our year!", and we were finally right. This was surely a day Tennessee (and even Florida fans) won't forget for a long time.
GO VOLS!
